SoberinSyracuse

I'm down to my last two days here in Georgia, and then I'll begin my 3-day road trip back home. I'll pass through and see some friends along the way. Very ready to turn down drinks if offered, and to excuse myself if I find myself in the presence of alcohol and feel triggered.

When I met with my counselor yesterday to talk about what my daily routine will be like back at home, I felt suddenly overwhelmed and began to cry. He helped me figure out what to do when I wake up every morning.

I'm still rather scared. Here, I have a lot of structure and I'm surrounded by people who a) understand addiction and b) share my spiritual faith. The greater Atlanta area is sunny and dry, with lots of ways to entertain myself.

I'll be returning to a world of chaos, stress, temptation, and very casual business/personal acquaintances who don't care whether I live or die. Syracuse is culturally barren, well below freezing, and buried under over a foot of snow. I'll be housebound, with a roommate whose conduct offends my sensibilities.

My counselor says I'm ready for this and can call/text anytime. And I'm hooked up with a group back at home. And I'm connected to a life coach.

But I'm still quite anxious about this. And of course, NOW begins the real work of cleaning up the mess I've made of my life, and building a new and better one.

This is an even bigger step than the one I took in coming here.

Ruby2

Leaving that safe cocoon is hard and nerve wracking. I did inpatient rehab and when I left, I felt shaky. Like I was walking on moving ground. It really helped me to dive right in to recovery related stuff. For me that was AA meetings. I should also have reached out to sober support but I didn't and relapsed after 10.5 months. I'm only saying that so you can avoid my mistakes.

You'll be OK but really, take advantage of your therapists offer to be available whenever you have need. Reach out, reach out, reach out. Post and read here too. And reach out. I can't emphasize enough how important that is.

Be well! You can do this.

Saliena

Be gentle with yourself and real-life as you are in rehab. You will be able to do and walk through anything as long as you don't take a drink. Stay grounded, keep your faith that you're on the right path. And allow yourself to stand up right and be present in your life. You Will do great!

least

Just keep your sobriety as your first priority. I think you'll be fine.

ubntubnt

hi SiS, you have done a great job these past few days. Please don't expect to return home and lead the perfect life. It will take time to rebuild your life. Rome was not build in a day....or a year for that matter. As long as you stay sober you will be on the right road so see that as you only real priority right now. Anything else can be an unexpected bonus.

Delilah1

Make the most of your last three days SiS, sounds like you have many great tools to take home with you. Who knows, maybe you will find Atlanta is someplace you want to live in the future.

Enjoy your time, and looking forward to continuing to follow your journey!!!

Soberwolf

What Least said sobriety is priority

Anna

I think it's good that you recognize that this transition time could be tricky. But, don't forget that SR is always here for you, too.

PurpleKnight

You can do this SiS!!

SobrieTee

I totally get you. I'm also in the process of rebuilding, and it can be very stressful at times. I messed up pretty much everything there was to mess up. It helps me to remember exactly what you said in your post - this is a NEW and BETTER life. My advice is to focus on maintaining your sobriety first, then when you are ready, slowly start to rebuild, one step at a time. You got this!

SoberLeigh

Anticipating the challenge of transition is a great step. Keeping the importance of your sobriety front and center should help you stay focused and on track.

We are here for you 24/7.

Don't forget to lean on us.

Dropsie

Sounds like note to self -- get out of Syracuse (in the long term).

In the short term, you can do this.

You are smart, you know what to worry about, you know what to do.

But please do not forget how wiley that AV is -- you will need to be on watch.

and Dee's famous words, which I wish I had memorised a year ago -- abstinence is not control -- not a sip, not a smell, and the minute it crosses your mind, address it.

I really have loved your posts. Keep us up to date on your journey.

Hawkeye13

Yep, I left Syracuse ASAP I finished my MA for the reasons you cite.

Loved some of the architecture, however, especially the NiMo Deco building.

You can do it--the grand exit to a nicer, warmer, place will give you something
to focus on and dream about while you work on fixing the situation.

Dee74

We'll be with you SiS

D

MariahGayle

will be here with you SiS!! Use all the support set up there for you!

FormerWineGirl

I would be more worried if you thought you had this whole thing totally figured out. But you have been given the tools to start your rebuilding. We have faith in you. Stay alert, but have faith in yourself.